June 30, 2021
2021 Legislation - Changes Start Tomorrow!
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Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed several important pieces of legislation that will impact family physicians' practices starting tomorrow. A full summary of the changes can be read by CLICKING HERE, but the most critical changes starting tomorrow include:


  • Written Consent for Pelvic Exams - scope of legislation narrowed to females only and more (sample form provided)
  • Parents' Bill of Rights - requires parental consent to treat minors
  • Physician Assistants - scope of practice expanded but physician supervision still required
  • Nonopioid Alternatives - electronic form of educational pamphlet now allowed
  • Pharmacists' Administration of CDC Approved Vaccines, etc.

Although not implemented until October 1, the Protecting DNA Privacy Act will require FAFP members to include language in their standard protected health information or HIPAA consent form to ensure compliance (sample form provided). Again, it is important to read the final legislative summary to ensure proper compliance. Any questions can be emailed to jmillson@fafp.org.
Telehealth Rules Expire for Controlled Substances, etc.
The Florida public health emergency orders approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March 2022 recently expired on June 26, something that will certainly impede access to care throughout the state. Specifically, telephone specific consultations in Florida (or asynchronous communication, versus HIPAA compliant virtual face-to-face synchronous communication) is no longer acceptable for performing telehealth visits for non-Medicare patients. Also, prescribing a controlled substance for the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain is no longer allowed via telemedicine, as well as recertification for patients who receive medical-marijuana. Both must be done via in-person visits. The FAFP understands the hardship this places upon family physicians in Florida, not to mention how it disrupts access to necessary care for patients, and is already petitioning legislators to ensure permanent solutions are approved during the 2022 legislation session next January. Updates will be provided as soon as they come available.
Earn up to 15 LIVE Credits at The Virtual Summer Forum
Don't miss your chance to earn up to 15 LIVE credits at the Family Medicine VIRTUAL Summer Forum - CLICK HERE to watch FAFP's Summer Promo! Register now for a two-day, virtual meeting held July 16-17, 2021, via an interactive webcast that will allow participants to earn up to 15 live CME creditsThis is a live-only event, not enduring, so access to presentations and CME credit is only provided to registered participants
 

*This program is virtual-only because the contracted Boca Raton Resort is currently being renovated, but will return to live, in-person July 2022.
Nominate an Exceptional Family Physician
The FAFP is accepting nominations for our 2021 awards recognizing exceptional family physician members. Categories include: Family Physician of the Year, FAFP Family Physician Executive Award, Art of Medicine, Exemplary Full-Time, Part-Time and Volunteer Educators, Young Leader Award, and Exceptional Resident Scholar. Nominees must be current FAFP members.

For more information CLICK HERE.

The deadline is July 30, 2021.
Now Accepting Nominations for the 2022 FAFP Officer and Board of Directors
Have an interest in serving your Florida Academy of Family Physicians (FAFP) as a member of the Board of Directors or as an Officer? The FAFP Nominating Committee is officially accepting nominations for the 2022 Officers & Board of Directors.
 
CLICK HERE to apply and review more details. Deadline is Friday July 23, 2021.
FAFP's June Member Spotlight - Dr. Isaiah Cochran
My name is Isaiah Antoine Cochran and I am a rising PGY 2 at Halifax Medical Center Family Medicine Residency. Before starting residency, I spent one year serving as the American Medical Student Association president. I graduated from medical school in 2019. I enjoyed the role as AMSA president because it allowed for me to pay it forward to other medical students and premedical students. 

CLICK HERE to read more.
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